Saguaro Shocking Good Source of Food

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) or simply saguaro is a huge tree sized cactus that is iconic to the deserts of the Southwestern USA. If you have seen old westerns or an old Roadrunner cartoon with Wile E. Coyote then you have seen depictions of this cactus.

The saguaro cactus can grow to over 60 feet tall, although most are not even half that size. It is a long lived species that can live in excess of 100 years. The cactus starts out only as a trunk but when it gets older it can start to produce arms. If you see one with arms then it is probably in excess of 75 years old.

Saguaro, like most cactus plants, is well armored with spines that serve to protect the plant for animals that might want to eat it. So always take care when working with or around Saguaro.

The Saguaro produces white flowers starting in April through June, depending on its location. The flowers open late at night and close during the middle of the day. Flowers are not self pollinating so there must be more than one saguaro for there to be pollination.

However, the purpose of this article is not to wax nostalgic about this cactus, but instead to educate on the shocking fact, to many, that this cactus has more uses than just for the great movies. Saguaro also can supply you with a source of food if you find yourself trying to survive in the desert.

The red fruits are roughly 3 inches long and ripen in June. The fruits are edible and have served the native populations of the area for centuries. The fruit once gathered is then scooped out and eaten or prepared as a jam, jelly, leaving behind the outer skin.

The fruits are often out of reach and a long pole is required to knock the fruit to the ground.

It is important to note that the saguaro cactus is a protected species and it is illegal to damage one. So unless your life depends on it, leave them alone. The fallen fruit are fair game though, so if you come across the fruit, give it a try. You just might like it!